INSTRUMENT CASE FOR STRING INSTRUMENTS

Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to an instrument case for stringed instruments.

[0002] An instrument case for receiving a stringed instrument, comprising at least one housing, at least one receiving area delimited by the housing for receiving an instrument and at least one neck support module comprising a neck support unit for supporting an instrument neck, has already been proposed.

[0003] From US 2004 / 0154940 A1 and US 4 531 632 A, an instrument case for receiving a stringed instrument is already known, comprising a housing, a receiving area delimited by the housing for receiving an instrument and at least one neck support module which comprises a neck support unit for supporting an instrument neck, wherein the neck support module comprises a bearing unit which adjustably supports the neck support unit in the receiving area.

[0004] Furthermore, an instrument case for receiving a stringed instrument is already known from DE 92 03 174 U1, comprising a housing, a receiving area delimited by the housing for receiving an instrument and at least one neck support module which comprises a neck support unit for supporting an instrument neck.

[0005] Furthermore, instrument cases are already known from US 361 817 A, US 2 156 910 A and US 4 190 152 A.

[0006] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic device with improved properties regarding flexibility and adjustability for different stringed instruments. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of patent claim 1, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims. Advantages of the invention

[0007] The invention is based on an instrument case for receiving a stringed instrument, comprising a housing, a receiving area delimited by the housing for receiving an instrument and at least one neck support module which comprises a neck support unit for supporting an instrument neck.

[0008] It is proposed that the neck support module comprise a bearing unit having two bearing elements and adjustably supporting the neck support unit in the receiving area. An "instrument case" is preferably understood to mean a case for the storage and safe transport of a stringed instrument, such as a guitar, violin, cello, or any other stringed instrument deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art. A "housing" is preferably understood to mean a protective outer shell of the instrument case. This is preferably understood to mean a unit that forms a hard outer shell of the instrument case. Furthermore, a "receiving area" is preferably understood to mean an area that serves to accommodate objects, in particular an instrument. This is preferably understood to mean a storage space for an instrument.Preferably, the area is at least approximately completely surrounded by material units and / or elements of the instrument case, in particular the housing, in at least one plane, preferably a plane passing through a geometric center of the receiving area. Particularly preferably, the receiving area is delimited in at least four, preferably in at least five spatial directions, starting from a geometric center of the receiving area, by material units and / or elements of the instrument case, in particular the housing. A "neck support module" is preferably understood to mean a module that is intended for supporting an instrument neck, such as in particular the neck of a stringed instrument, for secure storage in the instrument case. The neck support module is preferably fixedly arranged in the housing. The neck support module is preferably arranged captively in the housing.The neck support module is particularly preferably mounted in the housing in a non-destructively separable manner. The neck support module is preferably mounted in the housing via a separable connection. The neck support module is arranged in the receiving area spanned by the housing. The neck support module is preferably attached to a base of the housing. The neck support module preferably forms at least one neck support surface which is intended so that an instrument, in particular a stringed instrument, can be supported and stored thereon with its neck at least in a partial area. The neck support surface preferably forms a concave contour which at least substantially corresponds to a negative contour of an instrument neck. The neck support surface is preferably adapted to an instrument neck of a stringed instrument. The neck support surface is preferably adapted at least substantially to an instrument neck of a stringed instrument.The neck support surface is preferably adapted to the necks of various stringed instruments, preferably stringed instruments of different sizes. A "neck support unit" is preferably understood to mean, in particular, a unit that forms at least part of the neck support surface of the neck support module. The neck support unit preferably has a neck support element that forms the entire neck support surface of the neck support module. In principle, it is also conceivable for the neck support unit to have several neck support elements, each forming part of the neck support surface. A "bearing unit" is preferably understood to mean a unit via which at least two elements are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another. For this purpose, the bearing unit preferably has two bearing elements that are adjustable relative to one another.In principle, it is also conceivable for the bearing unit to have more than two bearing elements, for example three or four bearing elements. In this case, it would be conceivable for one bearing element to be adjustably mounted relative to two further bearing elements, wherein the two further bearing elements are fixed to one another. It is also conceivable for all of the more than two bearing elements of the bearing unit to be adjustable relative to one another. Preferably, the bearing unit is provided to mount the two elements, which are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another, at least in one spatial direction. Preferably, the bearing unit is in particular provided to mount the neck support unit so as to be movable relative to the housing in one spatial plane.In principle, it is also conceivable for the storage unit to be designed to movably support the neck support unit in a first spatial plane and additionally in a second spatial plane oriented perpendicular to the first spatial plane. By supporting the neck support unit in the two spatial planes, a longitudinal position as well as a vertical position could be achieved. "Adjustable storage" should preferably be understood to mean that the neck support unit can be arranged in different positions relative to the case. Thus, the neck support surface formed by the neck support module can be arranged at different positions in the receiving area. This allows the instrument case to be adapted particularly easily to different sized instruments, in particular different string instruments.In particular, the neck support module can be advantageously adapted to different instruments, especially string instruments, so that the instrument neck can be optimally accommodated and stored, thus enabling particularly safe transport and storage.

[0009] It is further proposed that the bearing unit be designed as a linear bearing unit. A "linear bearing unit" should preferably be understood as a bearing unit that is intended to move an element, such as in particular the neck support unit, linearly between at least two positions, in particular along a bearing axis. For this purpose, a linear bearing unit has at least one stationary bearing rail and a bearing carriage displaceably guided therein. The bearing axis of the bearing unit is preferably aligned in the longitudinal direction of the housing. The bearing axis is preferably aligned coaxially with a central axis of the housing running in the longitudinal direction of the housing. This allows the bearing unit to be designed particularly simply.

[0010] According to the invention, the first bearing element of the bearing unit is designed as a bearing rail and is firmly connected to the housing. A "bearing rail" is preferably understood to mean a linear guide element intended to form a bearing track, preferably a straight bearing axis, along which another element can be linearly displaced on or in the guide rail. According to the invention, the bearing rail is provided so that a bearing carriage is connected to it in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner, wherein the bearing carriage has a degree of freedom relative to the bearing rail at least in one axis, in particular along the bearing axis. The bearing element designed as a bearing rail preferably has at least one undercut. Particularly preferably, the bearing rail has two opposite, mutually facing U-shaped sections, each of which forms an undercut."Firmly connected to the housing" should preferably be understood to mean that the bearing element is captively connected to the housing, at least in an assembled state. Preferably, the bearing element, designed as a bearing rail, is detachably connected to the housing via a positive and / or non-positive connection. Particularly preferably, the bearing element is firmly screwed to the housing by means of a screw connection using one or more screws. In principle, it is also conceivable for the bearing element, designed as a bearing element, to be firmly connected to the housing by means of other non-positive and / or non-positive elements, for example, by means of locking elements that engage positively in locking recesses in the housing.In principle, it would also be conceivable for the bearing element, designed as a bearing rail, to be formed integrally with the housing, or to be permanently and non-destructively bonded to the housing, for example, by means of an adhesive bond. This allows the first bearing element to be designed particularly simply, and the neck support module can be easily fixed to the housing via the bearing unit.

[0011] According to the invention, the second bearing element of the bearing unit is designed as a bearing carriage and connected to the neck support unit. A "bearing carriage" is preferably understood to mean an element that is intended to be axially displaceably mounted in a bearing element designed as a bearing rail. The bearing element designed as a bearing carriage preferably comprises a base body and at least one bearing region attached to the base body. The base body is provided for connecting elements to be supported, such as in particular the neck support unit. The neck support unit is connected to the base body, preferably directly. The at least one bearing region is formed by a web that is intended to engage positively in the at least one undercut of the bearing element designed as a bearing rail for mounting in the bearing element designed as a bearing rail.Preferably, the bearing element configured as a bearing carriage has two bearing areas formed by webs that are intended to engage the two undercuts formed by the bearing element configured as a bearing rail. The webs forming the bearing areas are preferably L-shaped. This allows the second bearing element to be designed particularly advantageously and simply.

[0012] According to the invention, the bearing unit comprises a locking device designed to lock the bearing elements of the bearing unit in different positions. A "locking device" is preferably understood to mean a device that, in at least one locking position, prevents at least one movement between two elements relative to one another, in particular the two bearing elements of the bearing unit, by locking these elements in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner and, in a release position, allows movement of the two elements relative to one another. "Locking in different positions" is preferably understood to mean that the bearing elements can be locked in different positions relative to one another by the locking device. The locking device can be designed to be lockable at defined distance intervals.In principle, it is also conceivable for the locking device to be designed to be infinitely lockable, i.e., lockable at incrementally small intervals. "Designed" should be understood in particular as being specially designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is designed for a specific function should be understood in particular as meaning that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state. This makes it particularly easy to fix the neck rest unit in different positions and thus easily adjust it to fit stringed instruments of different sizes.

[0013] Furthermore, the invention proposes that the locking device comprise at least one first locking element connected to the first bearing element and at least one second locking element of corresponding design connected to the second bearing element. A "locking element" is preferably understood to mean a positive-locking and / or non-positive-locking element that brings the locking device into a locking position through a positive-locking and / or non-positive connection with a correspondingly designed locking element. A locking element configured as a positive-locking element is preferably designed as a toothed element having at least two or more teeth provided for positive locking of the locking device.

[0014] A locking element designed as a frictional connection element is preferably designed as a friction element having at least one friction surface intended to engage a correspondingly designed friction surface to lock the locking device. Preferably, a locking element designed as a frictional connection element is pressed into a locking position by means of a spring element in order to generate a contact force between the locking element designed as a frictional connection element and the correspondingly designed friction element. This allows the locking unit to be designed particularly simply.

[0015] It is also proposed that the first locking element have a toothing and the second locking element have a corresponding toothing, which engage with each other in a positive locking manner. A "toothing" is preferably understood to mean a plurality of teeth arranged in a row of teeth. The teeth of the toothing are preferably all of the same design. A "corresponding toothing" is preferably understood to mean a toothing with at least one tooth, preferably several teeth, which are designed such that they can engage with the teeth of the correspondingly designed toothing in a positive locking manner. This allows the locking elements of the locking unit to be designed particularly simply, and secure locking by means of the locking unit can be ensured.

[0016] According to the invention, the locking device comprises a spring element designed to press the first and second locking elements into a locking position. A "spring element" is understood, in particular, to be an elastic element having at least one extension and / or number of windings that can be elastically varied by at least 10%, in particular by at least 20%, preferably by at least 30%, and particularly advantageously by at least 50%, in a normal operating state. The spring element generates, in particular, a counterforce that is dependent on a change in the extension and / or number of windings and is preferably proportional to the change, and counteracts the change. The spring element is preferably designed as a compression spring element. The spring element is preferably designed as a spiral spring.In principle, it would also be conceivable for the spring element to be designed in a different way that would be deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, for example, as a disc spring. This would allow for a simple, automatic locking of the locking device.

[0017] It is also proposed that the locking device have an actuating mechanism by means of which the locking device can be manually adjusted between a locking position and a release position. An "actuating mechanism" is preferably understood to mean a mechanism that is intended to be actuated by an operator and to transmit an actuating movement to the at least one locking element of the locking device in order to adjust it between its locking position and its release position. Preferably, by means of the manual adjustment, the at least one locking element of the locking device can be moved from its locking position to its release position by means of the actuating mechanism. Adjustment of the locking element from the release position to the locking position preferably occurs automatically."Manual adjustment" should preferably be understood as an adjustment performed by an operator, for example, by exerting a pressure force on an actuating device. In principle, it would also be conceivable for a manual application of a pulling force to actuate the actuating mechanism. This allows the locking device to be operated particularly easily, thus making adjustment of the neck support module particularly simple.

[0018] It is further proposed that the actuating mechanism comprise at least one actuating means connected to the at least one second locking element and a spring element, against whose spring force the actuating means can be deflected. An "actuating means" should preferably be understood as an element that can be deflected between a neutral position and an actuating position by the application of a force by an operator. The actuating means is preferably designed as a spring-loaded push button that can be deflected from its neutral position into its actuating position by applying a compressive force. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the actuating means to be designed as a tension element that can be deflected from its neutral position into its actuating position by applying a tensile force.In principle, it would also be conceivable for the actuating means to be designed as a rotating element that can be rotated from its neutral position to its actuating position by applying a torque. This allows the actuating mechanism for operating the locking device to be designed particularly simply.

[0019] It is further proposed that the spring element of the locking device and the spring element of the actuating mechanism be formed integrally with one another. "Integral" is understood to mean, in particular, at least materially connected, for example, by a welding process, an adhesive process, an injection molding process, and / or another process deemed appropriate by a person skilled in the art, and / or advantageously formed in one piece, such as by production from a single casting and / or by production using a single- or multi-component injection molding process, and advantageously from a single blank. Preferably, the spring element of the locking device and the spring element of the actuating mechanism are formed by the same spring element. This allows the locking device and the actuating mechanism to be designed particularly advantageously, and in particular, the neck support module can be designed particularly advantageously with few components. Drawings

[0020] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0021] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic view of an instrument case according to the invention in a first embodiment, with a fine neck support module, Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view through a central axis of a housing of the instrument case, Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of the instrument case with a neck support unit of the neck support module in a maximum position, Fig. 4 is a schematic plan view of the instrument case with the neck support unit of the neck support module in a minimum position, Fig. 5 is a schematic sectional view of the neck support module through the central axis, Fig. 6 is a schematic view of a bearing unit, a locking device and an actuating mechanism of the neck support module and Fig. 7 is a schematic exploded view of the bearing unit and the actuating mechanism of the neck support module. Description of the embodiment

[0022] The Figures 1 to 7show an embodiment of an instrument case 10 according to the invention. The instrument case 10 is formed by a guitar case. In principle, however, another design of the instrument case 10 that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable, such as a violin, viola, cello, or double bass case. The instrument case 10 is intended to accommodate a stringed instrument. The instrument case 10 has a housing 12. The housing 12 is formed by a shell housing. The housing 12 has two housing shells 14. The first housing shell 14 is designed as a housing base body. The second housing shell, not shown in more detail, is designed as a lid. The first, lower housing shell 14 is intended to directly accommodate an instrument 16, wherein the lid, not shown in more detail, is intended to close the housing 12.The lid can be connected to the first housing shell 14 of the housing 12 via invisibly visible fasteners. Furthermore, the instrument case 10 has a receiving area 18 delimited by the housing 12. The receiving area 18 is intended to accommodate an instrument 16. The instrument 16 is a stringed instrument. The instrument 16 is shown here as a violin by way of example. In principle, however, another design of the instrument 16 that would appear appropriate to a person skilled in the art would also be conceivable, such as a guitar, cello, viola, or double bass. The receiving area 18 is delimited by the first housing shell 14 and the invisibly visible lid of the housing 12. When the housing 12 is closed, the receiving area 18 is essentially closed. A shape of the housing 12, i.e. a shape of the housing shells 14, is adapted to a general shape of the instrument 16.An outer contour of the housing shells 14 corresponds to a rough shape of the instrument 16. The housing 12 has a body region 22 in which a body of the stringed instrument 16 can be arranged. The housing 12 has a neck region 24 in which an instrument neck of the string instrument 16 can be arranged. The housing has a central axis 44. The central axis 44 is formed as a longitudinal axis of the housing 12. The central axis 44 preferably forms a mirror axis of the housing 12.

[0023] The housing shell 14 of the housing 12 has a base side 20. The base side 20 of the first housing shell 14 is designed as a bottom. The base side 20 of the housing shell 14 is essentially flat. A shape of the base side 20 corresponds to a rough two-dimensional contour of the instrument 16. A bottom of a body of the instrument 16 faces the base side 20 when the instrument 16 is in the received state. In an edge region of the base side 20, a circumferential side wall 26 of the housing shell 14 adjoins the base side 20. The side wall 26 extends essentially perpendicular to the base side 20. A frame of the body of the instrument 16 faces the side wall 26 when the instrument 16 is in the received state. The frame of the instrument 16 extends essentially parallel to the side wall 26. The instrument 16 is enclosed by the housing shell 14 when the instrument 16 is in the received state.When picked up, the instrument 16 is completely enclosed by the housing shell 14 in a plane parallel to the bottom of the body of the instrument 16. A side of the instrument 16 forming a top of the body of the instrument 16 is covered, in a picked up state, by the housing shell 14 of the housing 12, which is not further visible and is designed as a lid. The body forms a resonance body, i.e., the sound body, of the instrument 16. The frame refers to those components of the body of the instrument 16 that form its side wall(s).

[0024] The instrument case has a neck support module 28 for supporting the neck of the instrument 16 received in the receiving area 18. The neck support module 28 is preferably provided to support a lower region of the neck of the received instrument 16. The lower region of the instrument neck is a region facing the body of the instrument 16. The neck support module 28 is also provided to support an upper region of the body of the instrument 16. The neck support module 28 is provided to support the instrument 16 in a transition region between the body and the instrument neck. The neck support module 28 is provided to provide a support surface 30 on which the instrument 16 can be placed with its neck. The neck support module 28 is provided to provide a support surface 32 on which the instrument 16 can be placed with an upper region of its body.The neck support module 28 is provided for securely supporting the instrument 16 in the receiving area 18 of the housing 12. The neck support module 28 is preferably provided for securely supporting the instrument 16 in the receiving area 18 of the housing 12. The neck support module 28 is provided for securely supporting the instrument 16 in the receiving area 18 of the housing 12. The neck support module 28 is provided for supporting the neck of the instrument 16 in the receiving area 18. The neck support module 28 allows a stringed instrument 16 to be securely stored in the receiving area 18 without tipping. By means of the support module 28, the stringed instrument 16 stored in the receiving area 18 can rest with its body bottom flat on the base side 20 of the housing 12 and the instrument neck can be supported at a distance from the base side 20 and thus be stored securely.

[0025] For supporting the instrument neck, the neck support module 28 has a neck support unit 34. The neck support unit 34 is intended to provide the support surfaces 30, 32 for the instrument neck and the upper region of the body of the instrument 16. The neck support unit 34 has a neck support element 36. The neck support element 36 has a support region 38 which forms the two support surfaces 30, 32 for the instrument neck and the upper region of the body of the instrument 16. The neck support element 36 is preferably designed to substantially correspond to an underside of the instrument 16 in the transition region between the body and the instrument neck. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the neck support unit 38 to have a plurality of neck support elements, each of which forms a part of the support surfaces 30, 32 for the instrument neck and the upper region of the body of the instrument 16.These multiple neck support elements could then be adjustable relative to one another, so that the support surface formed by the neck support unit 34 can be adapted to different sized instruments 16.

[0026] The neck support module 28 comprises a bearing unit 40. The bearing unit 40 is provided for adjustably supporting the neck support unit 34 in the receiving area 18. The bearing unit 40 is provided, in particular, for movably supporting the neck support element 36 of the neck support unit 34 in the receiving area 18. The bearing unit 40 is provided, in particular, for adapting the neck support unit 34 to instruments 16 of different sizes. The bearing unit 40 allows the relative position of the support surfaces 30, 32 formed by the neck support unit 34 to be changed in the receiving area 18 of the housing 12. The bearing unit 40 is preferably provided for adjustably supporting the neck support element 36 in a plane running parallel to the base side 20 of the housing 12. The bearing unit 40 is provided, in particular, for movably supporting the neck support element 36 along a displacement path.

[0027] The bearing unit 40 is designed as a linear bearing unit. The bearing unit 40 designed as a linear bearing unit is intended to support the neck support unit 34 displaceably along a bearing axis 42. The bearing axis 42 of the bearing unit 40 designed as a linear bearing unit is preferably aligned parallel to the center axis 44 of the housing 12. The bearing unit 40 is intended to support the neck support unit 34 linearly displaceably along the bearing axis 42, i.e., along the center axis 44 of the housing 12. By means of the bearing unit 40, the neck support unit 34 is linearly displaceable along the bearing axis 42, i.e., along the center axis 44 of the housing 12. The bearing unit 40 is intended to support the neck support unit 34 by a bearing distance X. The bearing distance X of the bearing unit is preferably 5-10 cm.In principle, it is also conceivable for the storage distance to have a larger or smaller value, depending on the differences in the sizes of the instruments 16 to be accommodated. The storage unit 40 is provided for adjusting the neck support unit 34 between a minimum position and a maximum position. The storage unit 40 is provided for adjusting the neck support unit 34 between a minimum position and a maximum position, adjusting the neck support unit 34 by the storage distance X.

[0028] The bearing unit 40 has a first bearing element 46. The first bearing element 46 is fixedly connected to the housing 12. The first bearing element 46 is fixedly coupled to the base side 20 of the housing 12 for a fixed connection to the housing 12.

[0029] The first bearing element 46 is captively connected to the base 20 of the housing 12 via a positive connection. The first bearing element 46 is preferably removably connected to the base 20 of the housing 12 by means of the positive connection. The first bearing element 46 is firmly connected to the base 20 of the housing 12 by means of screw connections. The first bearing element 46 preferably has two through holes 48, 50, through each of which a screw element is passed for fastening to the base 20. For fastening the first bearing element 46 using the screw elements, threaded holes are introduced into the base 20 of the housing 12.

[0030] The first bearing element 46 is designed as a bearing rail. The first bearing element 46, designed as a bearing rail, forms the straight bearing axis 42. The bearing element 46, designed as a bearing rail, has an undercut 52, 54 in each of its side regions. The undercuts 52, 54 are essentially U-shaped. The undercuts 52, 54 are provided so that an element to be supported can engage in a form-fitting manner.

[0031] The bearing unit 40 has a second bearing element 56. The second bearing element 56 is designed as a bearing carriage. The second bearing element 56, designed as a bearing carriage, is intended to be displaceably arranged in the first bearing element 46, which is designed as a bearing rail. The second bearing element 56, designed as a bearing carriage, is displaceably mounted in the bearing element 46, which is designed as a bearing rail, via a sliding bearing. The second bearing element 56 has a base body 58. The base body 58 is formed by a substantially rectangular element. The second bearing element 56 has two bearing regions 60, 62. The bearing regions 60, 62 are provided for mounting in the bearing element 46, which is designed as a bearing rail. The bearing regions 60, 62 are each intended to engage in one of the undercuts 52, 54 of the bearing element 46, which is designed as a bearing rail.The bearing areas 60, 62 are arranged on an underside 68 of the base body 58. The bearing areas 60, 62 are formed by webs 64, 66. The bearing areas 60, 62 are formed by L-shaped webs 64, 66. The webs 64, 66 are connected to the underside 68 of the base body 58. The L-shaped webs 64, 66 extend from the underside 68 of the base body 58, initially downward and then outward. The L-shaped webs 64, 66 extend laterally along the base body 58. The L-shaped webs 64, 66 extend laterally in the main extension direction of the base body 58 of the second bearing element 56. The L-shaped webs 64, 66 extend laterally in the main extension direction of the base body 58, preferably over a substantial length of the base body 58. The L-shaped webs 64, 66 are formed integrally with the base body 58. The base body 56, together with the L-shaped webs 64, 66, is formed as an injection-molded part.

[0032] The second bearing element 56 is fixedly connected to the neck support unit 34. For connection to the second bearing element 56, the neck support unit 34 has a base formwork 70. The base formwork 70 is intended to be coupled to the second bearing element 56. The base formwork 70 is designed as a shaped base plate. The base formwork 70 forms a construction basis of the neck support unit 34. The base formwork 70 preferably forms a basic structure for the neck support element 36 of the neck support unit 34. The neck support element 36 is fixedly connected to the base formwork 70. The neck support element 36 is firmly connected to an upper side of the base formwork 70. The neck support element 36 is firmly connected to the base formwork 70 in a materially bonded manner, in particular via an adhesive connection. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the base formwork 70 to be connected to the neck support element 36 via a force-locking and / or form-locking connection.The base formwork 70 has a receiving area 100 for the second bearing element 56 on its underside. The base formwork 70 is intended to at least partially encompass the base body 58 of the second bearing element 56. The base formwork 70 is connected to the second bearing element 56 via the receiving area 100. The base formwork 70 is captively connected to the base body 58 of the second bearing element 56 via the receiving area 100. The base formwork 70 is positively connected to the base body 58 of the second bearing element 56. As a result, the base formwork 70 is connected to the base body 58 of the second bearing element 56 in a manner that is preferably non-destructively removable. The base formwork 70 has locking recesses 72, 74 in lateral areas of the receiving area 100. The base body 58 of the second bearing element 56 comprises on its side walls locking hooks 76, 78 corresponding to the locking recesses 72, 74.The locking hooks 76, 78 are provided for positively connecting the base formwork 70 to the base body 58 of the second bearing element 56, engaging in the locking recesses 72, 74. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the base formwork 70 of the neck support unit 36 ​​to be connected to the base body 58 of the second bearing element 56 in a different way, for example, via an adhesive connection. The neck support element 36 of the neck support unit 34 is connected to the second bearing element 56. The neck support element 36 is firmly connected to the base body 58 of the second bearing element 56 via the base formwork 70.

[0033] The two bearing elements 46, 56 enable the neck support element 36 to be displaceably mounted in the receiving area 18 of the housing. By means of the bearing elements 46, 56, the neck support element 36 can be adjusted between a minimum position and a maximum position. In the minimum position (see Figure 4), the neck support element 36 has a minimum distance to a lower end of the body area 22 of the housing 12. In the maximum position (see Figure 3 ), the neck support element 36 has a maximum distance from the lower end of the body portion 22 of the housing 12. The neck support element 34 can be adjusted by the bearing distance X between the minimum position and the maximum position.

[0034] The bearing unit 40 comprises a locking device 80. The locking device 80 is designed to lock, i.e., to lock, the bearing unit 40. The locking device is designed to lock the bearing unit 40 in the minimum position, the maximum position, and intermediate positions therebetween. The locking device 80 is designed to lock the bearing elements 46, 56 of the bearing unit 40 in different positions relative to one another. The locking device 80 is designed to lock the bearing elements 46, 56 of the bearing unit 40 in the maximum position, the minimum position, and positions between the maximum and minimum positions.

[0035] The locking device 80 has a first locking element 82, which is connected to the first bearing element 46. The locking device 80 has a further first locking element 84, which is also connected to the first bearing element 46. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the locking device to have only a first locking element 82, 84. The first locking elements 82, 84 are formed integrally with the first bearing element 46, which is designed as a bearing rail. The locking elements 82, 84 are each arranged on an inner wall of the bearing element 46, which is designed as a bearing rail, above the respective U-shaped undercut 52, 54. The locking elements 82, 84 each have a toothing 114, 116. The toothings 114, 116 are each introduced on the inner wall of the bearing element 46 designed as a bearing rail above the respective U-shaped undercut 52, 54.The gears 114, 116 extend over an entire length of the first bearing element 46.

[0036] The locking device 80 has a second locking element 86, which is connected to the second bearing element 56. The locking device 80 has a further second locking element 88, which is also connected to the second bearing element 56. In principle, it would also be conceivable for the locking device 80 to have only a second locking element 86, 88. The second locking elements 86, 88 are connected to the base body 58 of the second bearing element 56. The second locking elements 86, 88 are slidably coupled to the base body 58 of the second bearing element 56. The base body 58 of the bearing element 56 has a receptacle 102, in which the locking elements 86, 88 are slidably mounted. The receptacle 102 is arranged centrally in the longitudinal direction of the base body 58. However, an off-center arrangement of the receptacle 102 would also be conceivable. The receptacle 102 is designed as a receiving recess.The receptacle 102, designed as a receiving recess, extends continuously in a transverse direction. The receptacle 102, designed as a receiving recess, extends from one side surface of the base body 58 to an opposite side surface. The receptacle 102, designed as a receiving recess, extends from the top side of the base body 58 to a height of the bearing areas 60, 62. In principle, it is also conceivable for the receptacle 102, designed as a receiving recess, to also be continuous in the vertical direction and to divide the base body 58 into two separate parts. On the longitudinal walls of the receptacle 102, two guide recesses 104, 106 are arranged for each second locking element 86, 88. The second locking elements 86, 88 each have two guide elevations 108, 110, which, in an assembled state, are arranged in the guide recesses 104, 106 of the base body 58.The locking elements 86, 88 are each displaceably mounted in the base body 58 by means of the guide elevations 108, 110. The locking elements 86, 88 are mounted in the base body 58 so as to be movable in the transverse direction. The locking elements 86, 88 are mounted so as to be movable relative to one another in the base body 58. The locking device 80 has a bearing pin 98, via which the locking elements 86, 88 are mounted in a guided manner relative to one another. The bearing pin 98 is fixedly connected to one locking element 88. Preferably, the bearing pin 98 is injection-molded into the one second locking element 88. The other second locking element 86 has a bearing bushing 112, which is provided so that the bearing pin 98 engages to guide the locking elements 86, 88 relative to one another. The bearing bushing 112 is fixedly connected to the second locking element 86. The bearing bushing 112 is preferably injection-molded into the second locking element 86.

[0037] The second locking elements 86, 88 each have a toothing 118, 120. The toothings 118, 120 of the second locking elements 86, 88 are designed to correspond to the toothings 114, 116 of the first locking elements 82, 84. The toothings 118, 120 of the second locking elements 86, 88 are provided for locking the locking device 80 in such a way that they positively engage with the toothings 114, 116 of the first locking elements 82, 84. The toothings 118, 120 of the second locking elements 86, 88 are arranged on elevations arranged on an underside of the locking elements 86, 88 on the sides facing the toothings 114, 116 of the first locking elements 82, 84. In the assembled state, the toothings 118, 120 of the second locking elements 86, 88 are arranged congruently with the toothings 114, 166 of the first locking elements 82, 84.In a locking position of the locking device 80, the teeth 118, 120 of the second locking elements 86, 88 engage in a positive-locking manner with the teeth 114, 116 of the first locking elements 84, 86. In the locking position, the second locking elements 86, 88 are in an outer position and moved away from each other. In a release position of the locking device 80, the teeth 118, 120 of the second locking elements 86, 88 do not engage with the teeth 114, 116 of the first locking elements 84, 86. In the release position, the teeth 118, 120 of the second locking elements 86, 88 are moved out of positive engagement with the teeth 114, 116 of the first locking elements 84, 86. In the release position, the second locking elements 86, 88 are in an inner position and moved toward each other.In principle, it would also be conceivable for the first locking elements 82, 84 to each have a friction surface instead of the toothings 114, 116, and for the second locking elements 86, 88 to each have a corresponding friction surface instead of the toothings 118, 120. The locking device 80 can be locked by means of a frictional engagement by means of the frictional engagement surfaces of the first and second locking elements 82, 84, 86, 88. In particular, an advantageous frictional engagement can be achieved by pressing the frictional engagement surfaces of the first locking elements 82, 84 against the locking elements 86, 88 of the second locking elements.

[0038] The locking device 80 has a spring element 90. The spring element 90 is provided to press the first and second locking elements 82, 84, 86, 88 into a locking position. The spring element 90 is provided to press the second locking elements 86, 88 into the corresponding first locking elements 82, 84. The spring element 90 is provided to press the respective toothings 118, 120 of the second locking elements 86, 88 into a positive connection with the respective toothings 114, 116 of the first locking elements 82, 84. The spring element 90 is provided to press the second locking elements 86, 88 into their locking position. The spring element 90 automatically pushes the locking device 80 into the locked position when no further external force acts on the locking elements 86, 88. The spring element 90 is designed as a compression spring. The spring element 90 is designed, in particular, as a spiral spring.The spring element 90 is arranged between the two second locking elements 86, 88. The spring element 90 is mounted on the bearing pin 98. The spring element 90 is designed to exert a force on the second locking elements 86, 88, which pushes the second locking elements 86, 88 apart outward.

[0039] The locking device 80 comprises an actuating mechanism 92, by means of which the locking device 80 can be adjusted between its locked position and its release position. The actuating mechanism 92 has two actuating means 94, 96, each formed with one of the second locking elements 86, 88. The actuating elements 94, 96 are designed as pressure elements that can be manually grasped and pressed by an operator. The actuating means 94, 96 are formed integrally with the respective locking element 86, 88. The actuating means 94, 96 are formed as elevations integrally formed on the respective locking element 86, 88. The actuating mechanism 92 has a spring element, against whose spring force the actuating means 94, 96 can be deflected. The spring element of the actuating mechanism 92 is formed integrally with the spring element 90 of the locking device 80.The spring element of the actuating mechanism 92 is formed by the spring element 90 of the locking device 80.

Claims

1. An instrument case for receiving a string instrument (16), with a housing (12), with a receiving region (18), delimited by the housing (12), for receiving an instrument (16) and with at least one neck support module (28) comprising a neck support unit (34) for supporting an instrument neck, wherein the neck support module (28) comprises a bearing unit (40) having two bearing elements (46, 56) and supporting the neck support unit (34) in the receiving region (18) in an adjustable manner, wherein the first bearing element (46) of the bearing unit (40) is embodied as a bearing rail and is firmly connected to the housing (12), wherein the second bearing element (56) of the bearing unit (40) is embodied as a bearing carriage and is connected to the neck support unit (34), wherein the bearing rail is configured such that the bearing carriage is connected thereto in a form-fit and / or force-fit manner, the bearing carriage having one degree of freedom relative to the bearing rail along the bearing axis (42), wherein the bearing unit (40) comprises a blocking device (80), which is configured for a blocking of the bearing elements (46, 56) of the bearing unit (40) in different positions, wherein the blocking device (80) comprises at least one first blocking element (82, 84), which is connected to the first bearing element (46), and at least one second blocking element (86, 88), which is connected to the second bearing element (56) and is implemented correspondingly, characterized in that the blocking device (80) comprises a spring element (90), which is configured to press the first and second blocking elements (82, 84, 86, 88) into a blocking position.

2. The instrument case according to claim 1, characterized in that the bearing unit (40) is embodied as a linear bearing unit.

3. The instrument case according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bearing unit (40) is aligned parallel to the central axis (44) of the housing (12), wherein for a firm connection to the housing (12), the first bearing element (46) is firmly coupled with the base side (20) of the housing (12).

4. The instrument case according to claim 1, characterized in that the first blocking element (82, 84) comprises a toothing (114, 116) and that the second blocking element (86, 88) comprises a corresponding toothing (118, 120), which engage into each other in a form-fit manner for a blocking.

5. The instrument case according to claim 1, characterized in that the blocking device (80) comprises an actuation mechanism (92), by means of which the blocking device (80) is manually adjustable between a blocking position and a release position.

6. The instrument case according to claim 5 and 3, characterized in that the actuation mechanism (92) comprises at least one actuation member (94, 96), which is connected to the at least one second blocking element (86, 88), and a spring element (90), against whose spring force the actuation member (94, 96) is deflectable.

7. The instrument case according to claim 6 and 4, characterized in that the spring element (90) of the blocking device (80) and the spring element (90) of the actuation mechanism (92) are implemented integrally with each other.